ASSESSMENT, EVALUATION, AND ANALYSIS OF KNOWLEDGE ON DRUG INFORMATION CENTRE AND ADVERSE DRUG REACTION MONITORING CENTRE AMONG COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS IN TUMAKURU CITY A CROSS SECTIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE BASED STUDY

Nandeesha M.*, Dr. Shivaraj and Dr. Vishwas A.T.L.

ABSTRACT

Background: Drug information is a specialized service to enhance drug knowledge, empower rational prescribing and reduce medication errors. Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centre is working for the safety and welfare of patients by early detection, reporting and monitoring of Adverse Drug Reaction. Objective: To assess the knowledge and educate the community pharmacists about Drug Information Centre and Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centre. Methodology: A Cross Sectional Questionnaire based study was conducted among the Community Pharmacists in Tumakuru City for 3 months of period. Totally 128 pharmacists are actively participated in the study. The demographic details such as name, age, and sex along with information about knowledge on Adverse Drug Reaction, Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centre and Drug Information Centre were collected by using a suitably designed profile form. The pills, drug information query form, ADR reporting forms are used to create awareness among community pharmacists. Statistical analysis includes mean, percentage, pie charts and bar graphs were done by using Microsoft excel. Results: A total of 128 pharmacists responded to the questionnaire in Tumkur city. A very small proportion of the pharmacists had ever reported ADR. (4.6%) of the pharmacists reported ADR, (7%) of the pharmacists were aware of the drug information centre and (26.5%) of the pharmacist know the role of providing drug information to the patient. Conclusion: Our study concludes that community pharmacists having lack of knowledge about the Drug Information Centre and Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Centre. So, proper awareness and education were essential to optimize the drug therapy and quality of life of patients.

Keywords: Adverse Drug Reaction, Community Pharmacists, Drug Information, Pharmacovigilance.